Newcastle United have made signing Fulham's Tom Cairney their number one priority once they seal promotion, according to reports, but the Cottagers are confident of keeping hold of their man.

Our sister site Mirror Online have reported that Rafa Benitez has made the playmaker target number one after they return to the Premier League, a feat they could achieve tonight thanks to Fulham's 4-1 win over Huddersfield.

Newcastle were interested in Cairney in the January transfer window and made enquiries, but Fulham managed to hold onto the vice-captain and GetWestLondon understands Fulham believe they will be able to ward off potential suitors for their star man.

According to the report, Newcastle rate the 26-year-old's value at £10million, however Fulham have slapped a £20m price tag on their star man and are confident of keeping Cairney this summer.

Promotion will help that cause, of course, and should Fulham be playing in the Premier League next season it will be even more unlikely that they will sell Cairney to a rival.